By Deborah Nnamdi
A drug trafficking syndicate has abandoned two Toyota Sienna buses loaded with 1,455 kilograms of cannabis along the Okhokho–ISI community route in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State following a hot chase by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the traffickers fled into nearby bushes after realising officers were closing in on them.
According to the statement, a team of NDLEA operatives intercepted the vehicles, which reportedly began their journey from Okpuje, a community notorious for large-scale cannabis cultivation and trafficking.
The first vehicle, a light blue Toyota Sienna with registration number EPE 545 EV, was found to contain 666 kilograms of dried cannabis. The second, a dark ash Toyota Sienna with registration number ABC 142 CD, carried 789 kilograms of the same substance.
Ofoyeju said no suspects were arrested, as the traffickers abandoned the vehicles and escaped, leaving the drugs behind.
He warned that the NDLEA is intensifying efforts to dismantle drug syndicates across the state. “Those who think they can evade the law and exploit our communities through illicit drug trade should think again,” he stated, adding that investigations were underway to track down the culprits.
The commander assured the public of continued vigilance, strengthened patrols, and deeper collaboration with local communities to ensure safety and curb drug abuse. He urged residents to report suspicious activities linked to drug trafficking.
